BREAKING: Arsenal Star Gabriel Martinelli’s Father Hit by Distracted Driver in London — Family Outing Turns Tragic
LONDON — A devastating incident shook the family of Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli this weekend when his father, João Martinelli, was struck by a car while walking with his family in central London. The 60-year-old Brazilian man was reportedly hit by a driver who was using a mobile phone and failed to stop at a red light, according to eyewitnesses and preliminary reports from the Metropolitan Police.
The incident occurred just after 6:45 p.m. on Sunday evening near the bustling intersection of Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road. The area, one of London’s busiest shopping and pedestrian zones, was filled with weekend tourists and families when chaos erupted as a dark grey sedan sped through a red light and hit the unsuspecting man crossing with his family.
Emergency services responded swiftly, and as paramedics worked to stabilize the man at the scene, onlookers began to recognize him. It wasn’t long before word spread: the victim was the father of one of Arsenal’s most beloved stars, Gabriel Martinelli.
Shock and Concern Across Football Community
News of the accident spread quickly, and concern for the Martinelli family has poured in from across the football world. Arsenal Football Club issued a statement early Monday morning expressing its support for the Martinelli family.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that Gabriel Martinelli’s father was involved in a serious road incident in London. Our thoughts are with Gabriel and his family at this extremely difficult time. The club will continue to offer them our full support,” the statement read.
Gabriel Martinelli, who recently returned to London from Arsenal’s pre-season tour, was reportedly at the family’s rented flat nearby when he received the call. He arrived at the hospital less than an hour later and has remained by his father’s side since.
Eyewitness Accounts Detail a Preventable Tragedy
Several bystanders at the scene described a horrifying moment of impact, followed by panic as the driver initially attempted to flee, only to be stopped by a group of pedestrians who blocked his vehicle and forced him to stay until authorities arrived.
“It happened so fast,” said 27-year-old Clara Williams, who witnessed the crash from a nearby bus stop. “The man was holding his granddaughter’s hand, and they had just stepped onto the crosswalk. Then this car came flying through the red light. It hit him full-on. We all screamed.”
Williams and others at the scene also confirmed that the driver, a man in his early 30s, was looking down at his phone at the moment of impact. “He didn’t even brake,” said one cyclist who chased the car after the incident. “It was completely avoidable.”
The Metropolitan Police have since confirmed that the driver was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving and causing serious injury by careless driving, along with using a handheld mobile phone while driving, a serious offense under UK law.
Condition of João Martinelli
As of the latest updates from St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, João Martinelli remains in critical but stable condition. Doctors have confirmed that he suffered multiple fractures, including to his pelvis, ribs, and left leg, as well as a concussion.
“He’s conscious now, but there’s a long road ahead,” said a family friend close to the Martinellis. “This should have never happened. They were just enjoying a peaceful evening together.”
The family has requested privacy as they navigate this sudden and painful situation.
Martinelli’s Immediate Future Unclear
Gabriel Martinelli, 23, had been expected to feature in Arsenal’s final pre-season friendly this weekend against Sevilla before the Premier League season officially kicks off next week. However, club sources have indicated that his availability is now in serious doubt, as he prioritizes his father’s recovery and remains at his bedside.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s head coach, has spoken privately with Martinelli and given him full support to take whatever time he needs away from the pitch.
“Football is family, and Gabriel’s family is going through something unimaginable,” said Arteta in a brief statement. “We’re all behind him, and we’ll be ready to welcome him back when he’s ready.”
Broader Conversations on Road Safety
The tragedy has reignited conversations around road safety and mobile phone use while driving, especially in pedestrian-heavy zones like central London. Just last year, Transport for London launched a campaign warning drivers of the dangers of distracted driving, which continues to account for a significant number of serious injuries in the city.
“This is a wake-up call,” said road safety advocate Martha Caine. “One glance at a phone is all it takes to destroy a life—or a family.”
Final Thoughts
As Gabriel Martinelli stays close to his father during a time of emotional and physical trauma, the football community has rallied around the family in solidarity. Messages from fans, teammates, and fellow professionals continue to flood social media, all echoing the same sentiment: prayers and strength to the Martinelli family.
The incident is a painful reminder of how fragile life can be, and how the actions of a distracted driver can forever alter the course of a family’s story.
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